Library FAQ – good to know

How do I register for a loan?
Students at Coburg University of Applied Sciences are automatically registered; their student ID card is also valid as a library card. Employees register once at the circulation desk and then use their university card for library services. Guests aged 16 and over who are resident in Germany will receive a library card on presentation of a valid identity card or passport.

How do I log in to my library account?
Members of Coburg University of Applied Sciences can easily log in to the library catalog(https://katalog.hs-coburg.de) with their university account. Within the university network, login is automatic via Shibboleth. External users use the user number on their library card and set a password via "Reset password".

Is use of the library free of charge?
Yes, registration and borrowing are free of charge. However, fees may apply for some services (e.g. ordering articles).

Can I use the library without a university affiliation?
Yes, the university library is open to all interested parties as a public academic institution.

My library account is blocked – what now?
Your library account may be blocked for various reasons (expiry date exceeded, unpaid fees, etc.). To have it unblocked, please contact the library team(bib-service@hs-coburg.de).

How many media can I borrow at the same time?
Up to 40 media.

How long can I borrow books for?
The regular loan period for books is usually 1 month. Different loan periods are noted in the library catalog or directly on the copy.

How often can I renew borrowed titles?
Media from the University Library's collection can be renewed three times, provided there are no reservations. Interlibrary loan media can be renewed once or twice, depending on the specifications.

When can I renew borrowed media?
Seven opening days before the loan period expires. A reminder email will inform you in good time.

How can I renew a borrowed book?
You can renew borrowed books yourself via your user account in the library catalog. If a title is reserved, it cannot be renewed.

What happens if I have exceeded the loan period?
If you do not return or renew your media on time, reminder fees will be charged. The basis for charging overdue fines is § 18 of the ABOB (General User Regulations of the Bavarian State Libraries). The amount of the overdue fines is based on the Bavarian List of Costs (3.III.2)

What happens if I have lost or damaged media?
Please report any loss or damage to the library immediately. You can replace the item yourself after consultation or the library will order a replacement, usually for a fee for the replacement value and processing. This will help you to avoid additional costs or holds.

A medium is on loan – how can I reserve it?
Click on "Reserve" in the library catalog for the desired title. Log in, select the pick-up location and send the reservation.

How do I find out if my ordered book has arrived?
As soon as your book is ready for collection, you will receive an e-mail notification. The ordered media will be available for you for 14 days.

Can an authorized person collect books for me?
Yes, another person can collect your books if you have personally issued a power of attorney in advance (in writing or by e-mail). The authorized person must present valid identification.

How do I return a book if I can't come myself?
Another person can take over the return – a library card is not necessary. Alternatively, you can send the media to the library by post: Coburg University of Applied Sciences, Library, Friedrich-Streib-Str. 2, 96450 Coburg.

What do I do if I cannot find a book in the catalog?
If the book is not listed in our library catalog, you can order it via interlibrary loan from another library or suggest the title for purchase via our procurement form (only for university members).

How does an interlibrary loan request work?
You can conveniently order books and articles from other libraries that are not available locally via interlibrary loan – directly via the "Order via interlibrary loan" button in the library catalog. You can also request titles from outside the Bavarian Library Network.

Which books can be ordered via interlibrary loan?
All titles not available on site with a value over 15 euros.

Are there any fees for interlibrary loans?
Book orders are free of charge; fees may apply for copies of articles.

How long does it take for an interlibrary loan request to arrive?
Your interlibrary loan usually arrives after about two weeks. As soon as the book is available, you will receive an e-mail and can collect it from the service desk.

How do I find e-books?
e-books can be searched for in the library catalog and accessed directly via the "Full text" or "Read online" button.

Do I have access to e-books and databases outside the university?
Yes, members of the university via a VPN connection. Unfortunately, guests do not have access and can only view the e-books in the library.

What do I need to bear in mind when visiting the reading room?
Jackets and bags may be taken into the reading room. Hot and cold drinks in sealable containers and odorless, cold and preferably noiseless food are also permitted. Please refrain from making telephone calls in order to maintain a quiet working atmosphere.

How and where can I print, copy and scan?
Students and members of the university can use their university ID card to print and copy at the "FollowMe" multifunctional devices. Two A3 book scanners are also available at the Friedrich Streib Campus (ITMZ, room 4-040).

What training courses does the library offer?
The library offers introductions to using the library, research training and workshops on topics such as academic work, literature management, etc.

How can I participate?
All students and university members can participate free of charge. You can register online via the library's training portal on MyCampus, where you will find all available dates. The events mainly take place online in Microsoft Teams (with the exception of library tours).

What can I do if I have further questions?
You are welcome to discuss open or individual concerns in a personal appointment. Please contact the training team (Nina Barnickel, Michael Schmitt) directly.

Are individual training dates possible?
Individual appointments can be arranged for tutoring and mentoring groups. Please contact the training team directly (Nina Barnickel, Michael Schmitt).